Social Media Reacts to Illinois Losing Tre White to Transfer Portal

Illini fans revealed every emotion Saturday morning after the departure of a third Illinois player this offseason

Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tre White (22) dribbles the ball while Maryland Terrapins guard Selton Miguel (9) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Although they could be counted as beneficiaries of the transfer portal during the season, it appears Illinois and coach Brad Underwood have quickly become victims of it since the season's end.

After making it through business hours on Thursday with zero transfer portal entries, the Illini seemed poised, unlike so many other high-major programs, to escape the worst of the portal's impact.

But after forward Carey Booth announced his portal entry Thursday night, a domino effect ensued, as fellow big Morez Johnson Jr. joined him on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, it was junior guard Tre White who made it known, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, that he was taking his talents to the portal.

Illinois junior Tre White has entered the transfer portal, sources told ESPN. Started 31 games and averaged 10.5 points for the Illini this season.

— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 29, 2025

Just six days ago, Illinois was a win away from a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA Tournament, facing off against third-seeded Kentucky in the second round. Although the Illini fell short, leaving much to be desired after a so-so regular season and finishing Big Ten play just 12-8, the promise of an excellent 2025-2026 campaign was already being anticipated.

Combining newfound experienced with as much talent as any roster in college basketball, Illinois appeared well-positioned to enter next season as a legitimate Final Four threat.

A week later, the Illini are down three key pieces – to say nothing of the likely departures of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley to the NBA.

Naturally, as Illini Nation tends to do, the orange-and-blue faithful took to social media to vent their frustration over Illinois’ latest loss to the transfer portal. A few of the best reactions:

Sadness

BREAKING: Tre White has entered the transfer portal. I’m sad. Enjoy this cool video I took of him at a game this year. ILL. #illini pic.twitter.com/r0iBE6GWOC

— 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖗 𝕻𝖎𝖑𝖘 (@TheConnorPils) March 29, 2025

#DifferentBreed

Tre White will be on his fourth school in four years. The rare quad transfer. https://t.co/YEuhBGu0RX

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) March 29, 2025

Back to the Drawing Board

Brad Underwood calculating what he can do to make every offseason as hectic as possible pic.twitter.com/D0Wh4pJNqV

— Illini Hype (@illini_hype) March 29, 2025

Potential Silver Lining?

The Tre White transfer news tells me something good is coming from the Josh Dix visit.

— The Oskee Pow-Wow (@TheOskeePowWow) March 29, 2025

Remain Calm, All Is Well

Tre White is a solid player. But Illinois might roll out Boswell, Dix, Riley, Hum, Ivisic with solid vet transfers off the bench. If you’re Tre, why come back and be the 6th option for less money than he’d get elsewhere?

Main point… no one knows how it’s going to end up. Relax

— Illini Rant (@IlliniRant) March 29, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Basketball's Tomislav Ivisic on What Comes Next

Illinois Basketball In Contact With High-Level Shooter in Transfer Portal

Why Illinois Basketball's Season Fell Short - And What's Next